Chapter 32

On the day Song Mingye was discharged from the hospital, the spring sunshine was exceptionally generous, filtering through the leaves and casting dappled light on the stone path of the Song family's old house. Song Linchuan helped him slowly out of the car. Chu Xiaoche had already had the house cleaned spotlessly, even the living room windows were wiped clean. Sunlight streamed through the French windows, making the whole house warm and inviting.

"Brother, walk slowly, don't rush." ​​Song Linchuan carefully supported Song Mingye's arm, afraid that he might fall. Song Mingye nodded, his steps were still a little unsteady, the weakness after the operation had not completely faded, but he had a relaxed smile on his face.

Upon entering the living room, the first thing that catches the eye is Jiang Ziyu's painting of a sunrise at the beach, framed and hanging on the wall, next to several group photos of everyone taken at the beach. Qi Zihao was squatting on the floor, grooming Xiaobai's fur. Seeing them enter, he immediately stood up: "Mingye-ge, you're back!"

Mu Nanjin was busy in the kitchen. Hearing the noise, he came out with a spatula in his hand and said, "It's good that you're back. I made you some chicken soup, it'll be ready soon."

Song Mingye sat on the sofa, looking at the lively scene before him, his heart filled with warmth. Song Linchuan covered him with a light blanket and brought him a glass of warm water: "Brother, have some water first, and rest for a while."

In the days that followed, everyone took turns visiting Song Mingye to take care of him. Chu Xiaoche would come every morning to help Song Mingye handle some urgent company matters, and then chat with him to relieve his boredom. "Everything is fine at the company lately, so you can rest assured and don't worry about anything." Chu Xiaoche sat on the sofa and handed Song Mingye a document. "This is the latest project report. Just take a look; you don't need to sign it."

Song Mingye took the report, glanced through it, and nodded: "Thank you for your hard work, Xiaoche." Chu Xiaoche smiled: "Why are you being so polite with me?"

Qi Zihao would come every afternoon, always carrying various snacks and fruits, and sometimes he would bring newly taken photos, telling Song Mingye about the fun things that happened while taking them. "Brother Mingye, look at this one, it's a picture of cherry blossoms I took in the park yesterday, isn't it beautiful?" Qi Zihao excitedly showed it to Song Mingye, holding up his camera. Song Mingye smiled and nodded: "Beautiful, well taken."

Jiang Ziyu and Mu Nanjin would come in the evening. Jiang Ziyu would sketch Song Mingye and sometimes play chess with him. Mu Nanjin would help Song Linchuan cook or massage Song Mingye to relieve his post-operative soreness. "Mingye-ge, let me massage your shoulders. The doctor said that proper massage helps with recovery." Mu Nanjin sat behind Song Mingye, gently massaging his shoulders. Song Mingye closed his eyes and sighed comfortably, "Thank you, Nanjin."

Song Linchuan took full responsibility for Song Mingye's daily life, preparing a variety of nutritious meals for him every day. Breakfast consisted of stomach-soothing millet porridge and steamed eggs, lunch of light vegetables and meat, and dinner of nutritious soup. "Brother, I made you yam and pork rib porridge today, drink plenty." Song Linchuan carried the porridge into the room and carefully fed it to Song Mingye. Song Mingye opened his mouth to take it; the porridge was at the perfect temperature, with a subtle yam fragrance.

When the weather was nice, Song Linchuan would help Song Mingye take a walk in the yard. The roses in the yard were already in bloom, their colorful blossoms climbing all over the wall and emitting a faint fragrance. Little Bai followed beside them, running around happily. "Brother, look at this rose, it's so beautiful!" Song Linchuan said, pointing to a pink rose. Song Mingye nodded: "Yes, when I get better, we'll make the yard even more beautiful together."

Sometimes, everyone would gather for a meal at the Song family's old house. Chu Xiaoche and Mu Nanjin were in charge of buying groceries, Qi Zihao and Jiang Ziyu helped wash the vegetables, and Song Linchuan was in charge of cooking. The kitchen was bustling with activity, filled with the aroma of food. At the dining table, everyone sat together, chatting and eating, in a warm and lively atmosphere.

“Mingye, let’s go to the beach again when you’re fully recovered, this time to watch the sunrise,” Qi Zihao said while eating. Song Mingye smiled and nodded, “Okay, then we’ll collect seashells and make wind chimes.”

Jiang Ziyu chimed in, "I want to paint even more seascapes and hang them all in your house." Mu Nanjin smiled and ruffled his hair, "Okay, I'll paint with you."

Song Linchuan leaned on Song Mingye's shoulder and whispered, "Brother, when you get better, we'll go to so many places and see so many beautiful sights." Song Mingye held his hand and patted it gently, "Okay, let's go together."

At night, Song Mingye lay in bed, with Song Linchuan sitting beside him, telling him bedtime stories. Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the room. Listening to Song Linchuan's gentle voice, Song Mingye gradually drifted off to sleep. He knew that although the road to recovery was still long, as long as these people were by his side, he was filled with courage.

As the days went by, Song Mingye's health improved. He was able to walk independently and do some simple housework. Everyone was happy for him and brought him surprises every time they visited. Sometimes it was a new photo taken by Qi Zihao, sometimes a new painting by Jiang Ziyu, and sometimes good news from the company brought by Chu Xiaoche.

The Song family's old house was filled with laughter every day. Sunlight streamed through the windows, warm and bright. Song Mingye looked at his loved ones and friends beside him, his heart overflowing with happiness. He knew that he wasn't fighting this battle against illness alone. With their companionship and support, he was sure he would recover fully soon and embrace his beautiful life again.